With the new USB Type-C ports gaining popularity in newer machines, you may be finding yourself with a mix of devices that support it, and those that don’t. This can cause minor headaches when you’ve been using a USB card reader to access your microSD or SD cards. Our Satechi Type-C + USB 3.0 Card Reader review takes a look at a card reader that allows you to read your microSD and SD cards on devices that are equipped with USB Type-C and older devices with the more common USB-A ports.

Specifications

The Satechi Type-C + USB 3.0 Card Reader has the following features and specifications:

Connectivity: USB Type-C, USB 3.0

Supports SD and Micro SD cards

Dimensions: 2.88″ x 0.75″ x 0.31″

Weight: 15g

Warranty: 1 year

What’s in the Box

1x Satechi Type-C + USB 3.0 Card Reader

Design

At a glance, the Satechi Type-C + USB 3.0 Card Reader looks pretty much like a standard USB stick. The card reader has an aluminium housing with a nice finish. Our review unit came in Gold, you can also get the device in Space Grey, Rose Gold, and Silver. The Satechi logo is printed in white across the front, and there are two end caps — one of which covers the USB-A connector, the other a USB-C connector. Both caps fit nice and snug over the USB connectors. On the front edge you’ll see two slots — one for microSD cards, and the other below it for regular SD cards.

USB Type-C on one end, USB-A on the other.

Ease of Use

As with most card readers, the Satechi Type-C + USB 3.0 Card Reader is dead simple to use. Simply insert a microSD or SD card (or both) into the appropriate slot on the front edge of the card reader, uncap the end to expose the USB-A or USB Type-C connector depending on your need, and plug it into your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Performance

The Satechi Type-C + USB 3.0 Card Reader worked as expected. I was able to easily transfer files from my laptop to microSD and SD cards through my USB-A port. I was also able to access and transfer files easily from my Nexus 6P using the USB Type-C port just as easily. You can also access both the microSD and SD card at the same time if you have both inserted into the card reader.

Price/Value

Priced at $19.99USD, there are definitely cheaper card readers out there. However, the ability to be able to read microSD or SD cards on devices with the new USB Type-C or devices with the older, more common USB-A ports definitely shows the value of this card reader.

A great little card reader for microSD/SD card reading through USB Type-C or USB-A ports.

Wrap-up

If you have a mix of devices with USB-A and USB Type-C ports, the Satechi Type-C + USB 3.0 Card Reader eliminates the need to carry around two different microSD/SD card readers.

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